Description: Wingspan 25-40mm. The forewings of the male are light brown with a series of white dashes which are variable and less apparent is some specimens. The hindwings are smoky grey. The wings of the female are usually plain and devoid of any markings. The few N. Ireland records have been between the end of May and mid-June.

Irish Distribution: Despite its name this species appears to be rare in N. Ireland and its status needs to be carefully investigated. There appear to have been only two reliable records since 1980 from Milford, Co. Armagh and Hillsborough Co. Down. There are a number of old records from other counties including Tyrone and Londonderry.

Ecology: Mainly associated with rough grassland in agricultural areas and occasionally in gardens. The larva is subterranean feeding on the roots of various grasses and other cultivated plants. It spends the winter months in the larval stage.

Key Identification Features:

• Male forewings brown with variable white markings, lacking gold tones of Gold Swift
• Hindwings smoky grey colour
• Females with much plainer wings

Distribution Map from NBN: Hepialus lupulinus at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Hepialus lupulinus at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.